Gareth Bale & Emma Rhys-Jones: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Gareth Bale and his girlfriend, Emma Rhys-Jones, have two children together. (Getty)

Gareth Bale has been one of the stars of Euro 2016. Bale and his girlfriend, Emma Rhys-Jones, have become the power couple of Wales. While Rhys-Jones tries to avoid the spotlight, soccer fans cannot get enough of Bale.

When he is not representing his country in international tournaments, Bale plays for Real Madrid with Cristiano Ronaldo. Bale had 19 goals and 10 assists last season with Real Madrid.

Here’s what you need to know about Wale’s favorite couple.

1. The Couple Are High School Sweethearts

The couple has been together for over ten years. (Getty)

Rhys-Jones has been with Bale long before he was a massive soccer star. According to the Daily Mail, the couple started dating when they were students at Whitchurch High School in Cardiff, Wales.

Rhys-Jones has four siblings. Despite the growing spotlight with Bale’s career ascent, she prefers to stay away from the spotlight. She likes to live as much of a normal family life as possible rather than being seen around town.

It has been a trying time for her family. Her father faces 10 years in prison for fraud.

2. They Have Two Children Together

Bale is a proud father of two children with Rhys-Jones. Nava Valentina was born in March 2016. Bale took to Twitter to tell the world about their new child.

Their older daughter, Alba Viola, was born in October 2012. After a big Wales victory in the Euro 2016 Round of 16, Bale was seen celebrating on the field with Alba. As the above photo shows, Alba was decked out in her Wales jersey.

3. Bale Chose to Play for Wales Over England

Wales made the quarterfinals in the 1958 World Cup. They lost to Brazil in the match, but it represented the biggest achievement in the country’s soccer history. Bale led Wales to another magical run in Euro 2016. It was the first time the country had reached the quarterfinals of any international tournament since 1958.

Bale leading the way for the Wales team is something that some have tried to advise him against. Bale’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, admits that early in his career he tried to get Bale to play for England given he has eligibility through his English grandmother. According to Wales Online, his parents were adamant that their son would play for Wales.

Barnett noted prior to the tournament that the decision had cost him “millions and millions of pounds” given the exposure of England’s squad. However, with Wales success in the tournament and their ability to make a longer run than England, Barnett may have had a change of heart.

4. Bale’s Transfer Fee From Tottenham to Real Madrid Set a World Record

Gareth Bale Presented To Real Madrid Fanshttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Latest-News/101615183364879https://twitter.com/__LatestNews__ The player says in Spanish that signing for the club is "a dream come true" and he will help Real win their 10th European title. Gareth Bale has been presented to thousands of Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu stadium following his record £85m transfer from Tottenham Hotspur. The 24-year-old posed next to the club's president Florentino Perez with his new white number 11 shirt while around 20,000 fans in the stadium cheered, clapped and took photos. The Wales international successfully passed his medical on Monday morning before signing a six-year contract with the Spanish giants, where he will link up with Cristiano Ronaldo, who in 2009 became the most expensive player in the world when Real signed him from Manchester United for £80m. Wearing a sharp black suit, white shirt and black tie, Bale listened to a translation as Perez introduced him and described him as an "exceptional footballer". He was joined by his girlfriend Emma Rhys Jones and their young daughter Alba Violet. "Bale's determination made it possible for him to be here today," Perez said, his speech regularly interrupted by cheers. "The moment he dreamed of as a child has arrived. This is your stadium, this is your shield and these are your fans. This is your home." Bale spoke to his new supporters, including a message in Spanish where he said: "Hello, it's a dream for me to play for Real Madrid. Thank you for the great welcome. Go Madrid!" Shortly after Bale changed into his strip and took to the pitch to do keepy-uppies and kick footballs into the excited crowd. He then made his way to the centre circle where he applauded the supporters and kissed the Madrid badge on his shirt. Coach Carlo Ancelotti can deploy his new player in a formidable attacking trio with Portugal forward Ronaldo and France striker Karim Benzema as Real attempt to wrest the Spanish title back from arch rivals Barcelona. Bale could make his debut in Real's La Liga match at Villarreal on Saturday, September 14. Real will also hope the acquisition of Bale will help them achieve their ambition of winning a record 10th European Cup title this season, something that has become an obsession for the club in recent years. Despite huge outlays on 'galacticos' such as Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and David Beckham, the last time the club conquered Europe was back in 2002. Bale is keen to help them end that wait, saying: "It's great to be here and I hope I can help the team win the 10th European Cup."2013-09-02T19:01:00.000Z

There was a storm of controversy centered around Bale’s transfer fee after a document leak showed misinformation about Bale’s transfer fee in previous reports. According to The Telegraph, the fee was an estimated $112,376,979 higher than Ronaldo’s fee.

Real Madrid was not happy the details were released as they were worried it would displease Ronaldo to see Bale had a higher fee. It also angered members of Bale’s camp.

“I think it’s disgraceful that people can get hold of this sort of stuff. It shows complete disregard for both clubs and the player,” Barnett told The Telegraph.

5. Bale Was the Most Searched-For Player During Euro 2016

Bing conducted a poll in the midst of the Euro 2016. According to The Independent, the poll showed that Bale was the most searched-for player at that point in the tournament. Not only is there interest in Bale, but the data shows fans want to learn more about his entire family.

“What’s interesting is just how far ahead Gareth Bale is in terms of the most searched-for player, and his girlfriend is no different – they really are the golden couple of the moment ahead of the Vardys and Rooneys,” Kevin Stagg, Bing’s Head of Consumer Marketing, told The Independent.